Newbie here. I'm having trouble recording my Marshall cab with my new SM57. I'm not getting a waveform unless I crank the interface gain to at least 3 o'clock. The mic is right on the grill of the cab.

I've tried multiple mic cables and my condenser mics work just fine. This is my first dynamic mic so I'm wondering if the AudioBox preamp is not sufficient to drive my SM57? I'm operating under the assumption that the mic is fine - I just bought it and unboxed it this morning.

I'm using the AudioBox with StudioOne artist. Studio One 1.50.12156 Win x86

Dynamic mics can use more mic pre gain than condensers that require 48V power. Did you try singing in it as well? I use a Steinberg UR44 and when I sign, my input gain is up around 3 o'clock as well. If your Marshall is putting out a good normal volume, you should have plenty of gain from your interface. Try switching to a good mic cable too.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I tried singing into it and it needed to be around 3 o'clock at least. Even then I need to max out the fader and manually increase the waveform to get anywhere close to a useable volume in my mix for the guitar. I have my 5150 post gain set to 2.5, so I can't imagine that's not loud enough. I've tried a few mic cables, one of which I got new last night and works fine with my Aston Origins.

I exchanged my 57 today and the new mic sounds the exact same. It appears that I've narrowed down the preamp as the culprit. Is it really possible that the preamp isn't suffient for a SM57? There have to be other people on this board who use a 57 through an AudioBox USB.

Well you have now ruled out the mic. I hope someone will chime in who uses an AudioBox. You told me that your gain knob is at about 3 o'clock with recording your Marshall. I asked you to do a vocal check. My UR44's gain knob is at about 3 as well. How does the mic sound? Does the signal chain sound clean even though it is low?

Mine does the same. I've had the audiobox usb and sm57 mic for a few months now. I read this thread and have gone through all the same steps as you.I've tried everything and decided this weekend I'm going to grab a new mic. I think very much so that it has to do with the audiobox usb not being strong enough for the sm57 .. best of luck.

I think very much so that it has to do with the audiobox usb not being strong enough for the sm57

Sorry, but that is an incorrect assumption. Clearly you have not researched the specs of an SM57 or an Audiobox. A properly working SM57 and Auudiobox USB work perfectly well together when set up correctly. If you are not getting a satisfactory result it is due to a faulty SM57, Audiobox, pc, mic or USB cable....or simply user error.

If you have eliminated the these possibilities and still can't figure it out I suggest you open a support ticket.

You won't like this as it requires money assuming your software and Mic are problem free. I have an analog jumper. My terminology. Its actually a DAC. If not that have you tried to push the 48db wwithout consideration for phantom power?What I would do if you have modest signal at all is use effects. A compressor will usually have an output volume, the chorus effect switched to double. Assign 2-4 audio tracks , right click the main track and selectively all.